Do not let the shadows of yesterday spoil your sunshine of tomorrow. It has been 422 days and still counting since Simona Halep played her last match. The ITIA handed her a 4-year ban on September 12, due to two doping violations. But that doesn’t stop the former number one from sweating out under the bright sunshine. Let’s dive deeper.
The 32-year-old recently shared a video of her practice on Instagram with the famous song ‘Never Give Up’ by Sia in her reel. Fans couldn’t hold their emotions after seeing the two Grand Slam titles (French Open, 2018 & Wimbledon Championships in 2019) winner back on court. Here’s what they said.
Fans are over the moon seeing Simona Halep back to training
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Halep had made it clear earlier, that she was not going to give up. She wanted to fight this until the end. The Romanian had last played against Daria Snigur of Ukraine where she faced a defeat in the opening round of the US Open in 2022. Right now, even a drop of water seems to fulfill the thirst of her fans. Let’s find out some of their reactions.
One of the fans showered love on the Romanian and encouraged her to move forward.
Let's go Queen! Love you ❤️❤️💪🏻
— Iulia Nedelea (@nedelea_iulia) October 23, 2023
While some lamented over her absence from the racket game.
Miss her!
— JP Murenzi (@JPMurenzi) October 23, 2023
Some of them felt that a 4-year ban for the 32-year-old was way too harsh for a first-time offense.
I do miss her. 4 years is a long time for a first time offence.
— ZAN (@ZAN_93) October 23, 2023
Several others asked her to keep faith and fight till the end.
She should and deserves to win her appeal absolutely keep faith and fight the fight 🙏🙏💪
— James Hamilton (@canvet98) October 24, 2023
She even got an appreciation for her footwork and agility even after staying out of competitive tennis for so long.
And she will … 💪 We have to appreciate how she’s moving. How amazing is that! An extraordinary sportsperson that I really hope will untangle the mess and we will see her back competing.
— Maria (@MariaMihV) October 23, 2023
Everyone wished to see her come back. There are plenty of examples of comebacks in WTA including the likes of Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Elina Svitolina, and many more.?
She can return after her ban. It won't be the first WTA comeback… just ask Serena, Vika, Kim Clijsters, Maria Sharapova, Elina Svitolina, Caroline Wozniacki….Kerber, Osaka…
She'll be fine— Linda 🐳 (@lindar_lou) October 23, 2023
Similarly, fans admired her shape and fitness even after all these turmoils in her life. They asked her to keep believing in the process.
Appreciation for how good is @Simona_Halep moving. Almost like she’s having springs in her legs. Amazing! Looking forward to see her back soon! 💫 Keep working, Simo! Keep believing! #InHalepItrust #HalepForever https://t.co/OeEyeHqa9m
— Maria (@MariaMihV) October 23, 2023
Simona Halep has quite a big fanbase all over the world and why not? She has a proven track record. She has made several sacrifices in her life to get where she is today. Last year was extremely tough for Halep but the fight is still on.
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Bigger the Fall, Bigger the Rise- can Halep prove it once again?
The two-time major champion is the biggest sports star in Romania. Simona Halep is an idol for many Romanians and an inspiration to all aspiring tennis players. Simona Halep might be going through a rough patch in her life but do not forget her achievements in the past. She won her first maiden Grand Slam title after defeating Sloane Stephens in the finals of the French Open in 2018. Her second Grand Slam was in the Wimbledon Finals of 2019, where she defeated another American and legend of the game- Serena Williams (6-2,6-2).
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In terms of potential, she has nothing to prove. But she has to make a comeback from this incident. An incident that not only stopped her from doing what she loves the most but also broke her mentally. But as the saying goes,? ‘cometh the hour, cometh the man‘, the fans are keeping their fingers crossed for yet another comeback. Can she regain her top spot in the future?
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